Erdington Academy girls’ cricket: As the legends of women’s cricket limber up for the World Cup, girls at Erdington Academy are taking to the field in a new club that could uncover the stars of the future.
Supported by coaches from the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, the Erdington girls will also have the chance to lift a trophy, when they take part in their first inter-school tournament, just as cricket fever grips the nation.
Up until now, there has only been mixed cricket provision at Erdington, but the new girls-only club is part of the academy’s commitment to expanding girls’ participation in sport and ensuring all students have access to inclusive, enriching physical activity.
Cameron Steventon, the Foundation’s Secondary School Development Officer, has been bowled over by the young cricketers’ enthusiasm.
He said: “2026 is a huge year for women in cricket, with England and Wales hosting the World Cup in just three weeks – so it’s great to see Erdington encouraging girls to get involved by launching this club.
“It’s important to ensure that girls get to express themselves through sport both inside and outside of school – and they’re showing some great promise already.
“The Foundation is all about giving people opportunities they’ve never had before, breaking down barriers and showing everyone there’s no reason they can’t get involved in cricket.”
Year 7 student Nicole Nkanyimuo, aged 12, is already looking ahead to representing Erdington Academy.
Nicole said: “I wanted to come along because I find sport interesting, especially cricket. I love everything about the sport and the team structure.
“I’ve been to so many tournaments with other sports, and I love playing against other schools. Now I’ll be able to do it with cricket too!”
Year 8 student Hafsa Mulla, aged 13, said she was enjoying the girls-only cricket sessions.
She said: “It’s good that I get to play cricket with other girls because it feels better playing with friends and people I know well.
“Being trained by proper coaches from Warwickshire is really good too. I can learn techniques such as how to bowl and bat properly and improve my cricket skills. Cricket is a really fun game to play. I’ve played it growing up, and I now play both inside and outside of school.”
At Erdington Academy, girls’ cricket is quickly becoming part of school life.
Lisa Millward is Subject Lead for PE at the Academy, which is part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust.
She said: “The new club is a safe, dedicated space for the girls to gain confidence and have fun with their friends in a pressure-free environment.
“Sport is so important in creating confidence in girls. Sometimes the boys take all the spotlight, so we want our girls to express themselves, develop their skills and be bold!”
The girls will get five weeks of professional coaching to prepare them for the U13 and U15 competition at Dorridge Cricket Club on Monday 22 June.
Organised by national cricket charity Chance to Shine, the tournament will see girls from schools across the area compete for a place in a regional competition.
Cameron added: “The tournament is a great opportunity for the girls to go and play at a real cricket stadium, which will hopefully really inspire them.”
Erdington’s girls will also get the chance to see the globe’s best female cricketers in action.
Lisa explained: “Later in the year, we’re going to take the girls who attend our cricket sessions to see an international game at Edgbaston. They’ll see South Africa play current world champions New Zealand.
“It will be great for their cultural capital, help them aim high and show them what can be achieved through sport.”